1961 MG A Roadster 1600

This resplendently red MGA (originally supplied black) is one of the later 1588cc cars. The B series engine really sings in these featherweight roadsters, this one even more so as it’s been subjected to a substantial ‘nut & bolt’ rebuild – by one of its three former keepers – less than a decade ago. It’s still looking fresh too, having only covered ‘nominal miles’ since, according to the vendor.

The car remains largely original, aside from the exterior and interior colour changes, with any further mild deviations – including the ‘rally’ headlight grilles, boot rack and wire wheels – totally understandable and in-keeping with the car’s late-1950s/early-1960s aesthetic.  

Supplied with a near complete and comprehensive history, this MGA has spent much of its life – since leaving the Abingdon works on 21st of December 1960 – in Devon/Dorset. There is a huge folder of invoices, original service documentation and owner’s manuals all charting this car’s fastidious care and overhaul from its 63 years on the road.

The non-metallic red paint finish on this MGA seems entirely in-keeping and is contrasted by an equally agreeable beige hide retrim. A glorious glow to the paint’s finish remains, looking as it does, barely out of the paint booth. That being said, the restoration seems to have taken place between 2006-2007 (according to the invoices). Although that work was likely carried out 17 years ago, the car’s limited use since has kept it looking fantastic.

The lovely chrome wire wheels, and chromework in general, all present with a highly reflective shine. The former are still shod in the 2007 dated Firestone tyres that likely rolled the car from its home restoration. There’s a genuine wire wheel certificate too that’s still attached to the seemingly unused spare in the boot. The hood looks good, without any tears or rips to its plastic windows or top fabric, plus there’s a beige cabin cover too, when only light showers are forecast.

The finish to the paint is generally excellent, testimony to the quality of the re-spray that was carried out in 2006/7.

Beige and brown trim work very well to contrast such a bright exterior shade. We found both hide and carpets were in tip-top order throughout. The temptation to upgrade or modify anything in here has been resisted, with just the sensible addition of lap belts the only detectable deviation from the factory. The condition of the dash, door cards, trim and switches throughout remains seemingly as fresh as the day they were restored.

The boot is just as tidy, with a starting handle, tool roll and touch-up paint neatly ensconced. A peek under the carpet back here also revealed a floor in excellent condition. 

There’s very little patina left in here to make it feel like an old car. Though we did notice some marks from hand painting the steering wheel centre boss on its metal spokes. If factory fresh is your thing, this might be worth addressing, if not and patina is your bag, then you’ll likely find that this MGA is too good. Oxymoronic as that might sound... 

The fresh-from-restoration theme continues with the mechanicals. The very neat and tidy engine bay gleams as near-new looking gaskets, clips and clamps stare back at you. Similarly, all hoses (fuel and coolant) look near new, with the paint covering the engine’s rocker cover also looking sharp. All components and wiring under the bonnet appear to be fresh and behaving themselves.

Things also look largely standard in both the engine bay and underneath this MGA with the exception of a sensible Kenlowe electric cooling van upgrade. Metal on the bottom of this MGA looks clean and solid, though we did notice heat from the exhaust has caused some paint on the nearside chassis leg to react and peel. Easily cured by either some heat wrap or fresh high-temperature paint. All bushes and balljoints appear as new, with floors and sills seemingly very clean and solid.

With so many years to cover, we simply don’t have the space to cover all the bills, manuals and photos that accompany this superb MGA, so we’ll let the vendor’s assessment cover the highlights: 

“This lovely original UK right-hand drive MGA was first supplied to a Devonshire schoolmaster, who would kept her for at least 12 years, during which time she was regularly maintained by the same local garage. Amazingly, all the service invoices have been kept and are present in the history file, along with a further selection of later invoices, heritage certificate and the handbook.

“Taken off the road some years later, in need of restoration, 883 GTT was to receive a full nut & bolt restoration at the hands of her next owner in 2006/7, following which she was acquired by the vendor, who sold her to a gentleman in Hertfordshire who then purchased an Austin-Healey two years later and sold the MG back to the vendor, who sold her to a gentleman in Dorset who would lavish love and attention on her while covering a very nominal mileage during his tenure.

“Now back in the vendor's care for the third time in 16 years and with only 87,000 miles from new, this MGA is supplied with a fresh MoT test (no advisories) and with a photographic record of the restoration and a large history file.”

This MG’s condition really speaks for itself and it’s apparent that the restoration work was carried out with plenty of care and attention. Having a big pile of invoices showing all the restoration parts and that photographic record further adds reassurance. 

The often-misplaced original BMC service ‘passport’ showing service trips and those early invoices from Trevett & Co Ltd. Seaton, Devon are the perfect accompaniment to the original MG driver’s handbook and good post-restoration history (2007-present). 

It all paints a picture of a car that’s been well cared for and loved, now only seeking its next careful keeper. We estimate that it will sell for £25,000-£30,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Thame, Oxfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.